Because he has grown from the proverbial game manager to a game changer. He plays an integral role in Alabama's offense and isn't just an innocent bystander. And it certainly helps that he has slowly become one of the country's most efficient quarterbacks.

Don't believe me?

McCarron ranks near the top of the country in completion percentage (67.8), ranks 12th in passing efficiency (162.2) and eighth in total QBR (81.1).

Alabama's offense will never be as explosive and high-powered as Oregon's or FSU's, but consider the context in which McCarron has won football games.

In fairly close contests, the fifth-year senior has turned in 650 passing yards on 50-of-66 passing and five touchdowns in situations where Alabama has led by a margin of one to seven points, according to ESPN.com.

By the Numbers: AJ McCarron

vs. AP teams

693 YDS

7 TD

8.56 YPA

170.8 RTG

vs. Conference teams

1694 YDS

15 TD

8.64 YPA

162.1 RTG

Winning by 1-7

650 YDS

5 TD

9.85 YPA

180.5 RTG

Final Margin 0-7

334 YDS

4 TD

11.52 YPA

211.2 RTG

ESPN.com

Not impressed?

Check out McCarron's game-sealing touchdown throw to tight end O.J. Howard versus LSU on Nov. 9, as noted by Zac Ellis of SI.com. It's a testament to his ability to make big throws in critical situations.

"We've seen him in big games against LSU, make throws; 19 touchdowns this year and 13 against the blitz," NFL.com's Bucky Brooks told NFL.com's Dave Dameshek in a video feature, courtesy of Chase Goodbread.

"This guy understands how to make plays when he's counted on. I love it. I love his game. I think NFL evaluators as they get closer to the draft, you'll see AJ McCarron rise up and he will be a first-round pick."

Scan over his numbers versus the country's most premier programs, including Virginia Tech, Texas A&M and LSU, and you'll see why McCarron deserves some consideration.

Will McCarron win the Heisman Trophy?

YesNoMaybeHe plays for AlabamaSubmit Votevote to see results

Will McCarron win the Heisman Trophy?

Yes

28.0%

No

32.7%

Maybe

17.3%

He plays for Alabama

22.0%

Total votes: 364

And as Forbes.com's Roger Groves illustrates, McCarron's intangibles, incapable of being measured, are unmatched.

I am willing to bet your mortgage A.J. McCarron will not win the Heisman Trophy this year. It is his senior year and his last chance. He has been the most consistent illustration of efficiency at the most important position at the highest level of the college game over the past three years.

McCarron may not eclipse the 3,000-yard passing mark or sniff Jameis Winston's touchdown total. But he's well on his way to competing for his third national championship—a feat no modern-day Heisman winner had accomplished—all the while ending his collegiate career as the most storied signal-caller in Alabama's prestigious history.

And while it may not equate to better Heisman odds, it's certainly worth something.